sea swallow

any of several terns, especially Sterna hirundo.

British Dialect. any of several small petrels, especially the storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus.

Origin of sea swallow

First recorded in 1590–1600

Just then the sea-swallow shot again overhead, uttering its low, mournful cry.

She's All the World to Me |Hall Caine
It is supposed that the sea-swallow derives his materials for the edible bird's nests at Borneo from this fucus.

The Sailor's Word-Book |William Henry Smyth
The sea-swallow shot over him too, with its low, mournful cry.

The Deemster |Hall Caine
The sea-swallow is said to get his food in a very singular way.

The Book of Curiosities |I. Platts

It is made by a kind of sea-swallow, and in appearance resembles vermicelli, variegated with blood-coloured spots.

The Philippine Islands |John Foreman

sea swallow

a popular name for tern 1